Winter is almost here and that means people will be heading to the mountains to see snowfall. It is possibly the most beautiful sight that nature has to offer. Tiny flecks of snow floating down from the heavens melting as soon as they touch the ground. Once the snowfall is over, the entire area looks like a magical wonderland covered by a blanket of untouched white snow. You can also enjoy playing with the snow by making snowballs and snowmen. It is also great for adventure activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and so much more.
Nature has blessed India with high mountain ranges in it’s North, and this gives the people ample places where they can see and enjoy snowfall. The best time to visit the hill stations to watch snowfall is between December to February. January is the month most likely to see snowfall across hill stations in India. So, plan your winter vacation to one of these destinations to catch.
Snowfall in India
Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is famous as a skiing destination in India. During winter, powdery white snow covers the slopes of the mountains. Whether you have skied before or trying it out for the first time, Auli is the perfect destination for you to enjoy the winter snowfalls. You can hire the equipment on the spot and get instructions from your guides. You can stay at one of the quaint cottages here to complete your winter wonderland experience.
If you are lucky, you can see fresh snowfall as you sit in your cozy hotel room with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can trek to the nearby spots to see the picturesque landscapes and panoramic view of the surrounding peaks including the lofty Nanda Devi range. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) which is about five hours’ drive. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is also approximately five hours away.
Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The beautiful hill station near Manali becomes even more stunning with the onset of winter. As the layers of snow cover the streets and houses, the destination looks like it has gone under a fuzzy white blanket. You can drive up to Solang Valley from Manali or for those who are more adventurous it can also be a good trek up the mountains. Fragrant apple orchards line the roads and there are mountain streams where you can rest and soak in the amazing sights.
Read about:– A Journey to the Most Pleasant Hill Station, Manali
Solang Valley is also well known for its adventure sports activities such as paragliding, sky diving, and skiing. There are also other activities such as rock climbing, zorbing, and much more. You can also choose to simply play with the fresh snow, make snowmen, have snowball fights, or just take pictures in the middle of unbelievable natural beauty. You can take a day trip to Rohtang Pass if the weather allows where you can take part in snowboarding.
Check out our:- Manali Tour Packages
Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir
Recently revamped and popularized hill station Patnitop is a destination that you can consider for seeing snowfall in India. The statuesque coniferous trees and numerous apple orchards make this destination a paradise for photographers and tourists. It is a favorite of tourists throughout the year; however, it is most favored during the winter months when pristine and glittering snow envelopes the entire region.
The closest airport is Jammu which is about three hours’ drive from Patnitop. There are many luxury resorts here now that offer all modern amenities along with excellent views of the surrounding snow-covered region. This is a great place for trekking and skiing along with other adventure activities. You can also picnic with your family amidst spectacular natural beauty where you can enjoy the abundance of snow and play with it to your heart’s content.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
This is the most popular destination in India to see snowfall. Every year thousands of tourists visit Shimla and Kufri to enjoy the bounties of winter and snowfall. Once the summer capital of the British Empire, Shimla still retains its old-world colonial charm and with the onset of winter and snowfall, it feels as if you’re in a fairytale. It is also home to the famous Kalka Shimla Toy Train. If you want to get away from the crowds, then Kufri is the perfect spot for you.
Check out our Shimla Holiday Tour Packages
It is a quieter and more quaint destination with picture-perfect locales covered with layers of fresh, sparkling snow. You can walk along the streets taking in the views or take part in skiing and other activities on the snow-covered slopes or You can also try your hand at river-rafting if the weather and water permit. You can also trek through the snow-dusted mountain roads and imagine yourself to be in a fairytale.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is yet another colonial hill station that the British favored to escape the hot Indian summers. It is also a favorite destination for tourists today wanting to escape the blazing sun. However, Darjeeling has recently gained popularity among tourists wanting to see snowfall. There has been a steady rise in visitors during the winter months to try and catch a sight of this enchanting phenomenon.
Must Read:- A Short Getaway to Darjeeling
There are better chances of witnessing snowfall in the hill stations near Darjeeling which are located at higher altitudes such as Lava. You can visit these hill stations from Darjeeling as day trips, or you can stay here as well. Some good hotels and homestays have come up in these quaint North Bengal destinations which offer basic but clean facilities. The nearest airport for Darjeeling or any of the North Bengal hill stations is Bagdogra and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri.
Book Now:– Darjeeling Holiday Packages
Winter Wonderlands within your reach
You do not need to head to Europe to see the wonders of snowfall. It is present right here in your own country. Nature has blessed India with a large share of the mighty Himalayan mountains, and this means that you can see the snowfall without having to spend too much. You can plan your winter vacation to one of the above destinations to see snowfall in India. Remember to pack warm as the places can get bitterly cold during these months. Try your hand at winter adventure sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so much more. So, get planning and get ready to have the best winter vacation!
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